Effect of Seed Priming Methods on Seed Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Genotypes

Seed priming is an effective way of promoting seed germination and vigor of okra by alleviating seed dormancy in fresh or stored okra seeds. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of seed priming treatment on seed physiological quality of okra genotypes. This experiment was conducted in a laboratory at Haramaya University in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. It comprised of 5 seed priming treatments (untreated seeds, tape water, 200 ppm GA(3), 0.5% KH2PO4, and 50% cow urine) and 5 okra genotypes (Clemson, Arka Anamika, SOH701, 240207, and 240586). The results showed that the main and interaction effects of seed priming treatment and genotypes significantly affected physiological seed quality attributes and hard seed percentage. GA(3)-treated genotype Clemson showed the highest germination (78.28%) and germination speed (25.29). Similarly, GA(3)-treated genotypes SHO701 and 240586 had the highest seed vigor index I (13.161) and vigor index II (34.14), respectively. There were no hard seeds in genotype Clemson treated with GA(3) and cow urine, genotype SOH701 treated with GA(3,) besides genotype 240207 treated with KH2PO4 and tap water. All seed priming treatments had a significant positive effect on physiological quality and seed overcame seed hardness in all 5 okra genotypes compared to controls. Therefore, in this study concluded that GA(3) seed priming treatment improved physiological seed quality, and alleviated seeds hardness in okra genotypes. As an alternative to GA(3) seed priming treatments, Ethiopian farmers can also use tape water, cow urine, and KH2PO4 seed priming treatments.